Role of Pakistani Press in Constructing National Identity with Reference to India

Journal of Media Studies, Vol 36, No 1 (2021)

Role of Pakistani Press in Constructing National Identity with Reference to India

Shazia Saeed, Ayesha Siddiqua

Abstract

Drawing upon social identity theory and Ruth Wodak's framework of national identity construction, this study analyzes role of Pakistani indigenous media in positioning Pakistan's national identity in relation to India. The framework of analysis comprised of positive self-representation of Pakistan and negative other-representation of India. While applying mixed methods approach, content analysis and discourse analysis were carried out. The researcher selected Pakistani leading daily English and Urdu newspapers including Dawn, Jang, Nawa-i-Waqt, and The News. Systematic sampling technique was used to draw the sample for this study. Unit of analysis was news story published in the newspapers regarding Pakistan India issues. Ruth Wodak and Van Dijk's principles of linguistic and discourse analysis were adapted and utilized. Results show that Pakistani English and Urdu press positioned positive identity of Pakistan as confident, resilient, and peaceful self in comparison to India.

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